Domestic Violence Orders cross state lines

Domestic violence perpetrators will be held accountable nationwide, following new model laws being introduced into NSW.

People committing domestic violence are now accountable across states and territories.

NSW is the first state or territory to introduce these model laws, which means Domestic Violence Orders will be automatically recognised and enforced across state and territory lines.

The NSW Police Force will also be able to work more closely with their interstate counterparts to target, monitor and reduce domestic violence offending.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Justice and Police Troy Grant said the national recognition scheme would improve information sharing between the states and territories, and better protect the safety of victims if they chose to move interstate.

“A victim will no longer need to register an interstate order in a NSW court, which can be traumatising for victims and potentially alert a perpetrator to their new location,” Mr Grant said.

Mr Grant is calling on the other states and territories to fast track their adoption of these new model laws as soon as possible.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Pru Goward said the laws took the onus off the victim so they could focus on taking the crucial step forward to build a new life, safe and free from violence.